Steep Success: How Full Leaf Tea is Brewing a Fortune in the Digital Age

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Matt Hammonds, co-founder of Full Leaf Tea Company. They discuss Matt's journey from a broke newlywed to a successful tea entrepreneur, the intricacies of sourcing high-quality organic teas, and the importance of customer feedback in product development. The conversation also covers the challenges of e-commerce, advertising strategies, and the excitement surrounding the holiday season for tea sales. Matt shares insights on the tea industry, including trends, customer demographics, and the future of tea in a rapidly changing market. TakeawaysArtisanal teas offer a flavorful and healthy alternative to mass-produced options.Listening to customer feedback is crucial for product development.Quality sourcing and organic certification are key to maintaining product integrity.Cold brewing tea can enhance flavor and reduce bitterness.Digital advertising is essential for e-commerce success, but diversification is important.Understanding customer demographics helps in tailoring marketing strategies.The holiday season is a peak time for tea sales, requiring preparation in advance.Innovative blends and flavors can attract new customers and retain existing ones.Matcha is a popular powdered tea that offers convenience and health benefits.Maintaining a stable customer base is vital for long-term business success. Sound Bites"Tea doesn't necessarily go bad.""I drink matcha every day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Full Leaf Tea Company 05:02 Journey into the World of Tea 09:53 Sourcing and Quality Control in Tea 11:34 Product Development and Customer Feedback 12:52 Decaffeination and Herbal Teas 14:07 Cold Brewing and Kombucha 16:38 E-commerce Strategies and Challenges 17:54 Working with a Spouse in Business 20:29 Understanding the Customer Base 21:46 Advertising and Marketing Shifts 23:48 Exploring New Product Lines 24:47 Brewing Techniques and Recommendations 28:58 Excitement for the Holiday Season 30:12 The Future of Tea in a Tech-Driven World 32:03 Closing Thoughts and Resources